Are you satisfied with your Army pay and allowances or are you having to cut back to balance your household budget?
The 2026 Pay Questionnaire run by the three Families Federations offers you a chance to tell us how pay, allowances and wider financial pressures affect everyday life so we can take that evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB).
In June the Government announced a 3.6 per cent pay rise for Service personnel. It followed recommendations from the AFPRB, which heard from AFF and the Naval and RAF Families Federations highlighting the financial impact of Service life on military families.
A whole-family approach
Evidence from the 2025 questionnaire showed a mixed picture. Personnel felt their pay had not kept pace with inflation and didn’t reflect the hours they worked. More than 90 per cent of respondents told us they had cut spending on groceries, leisure or travel.
Satisfaction with overall family finances increased slightly on 2024. But the percentage of personnel who were satisfied with their pay dropped.
Respondents who said they sought external help for financial difficulties increased from nine per cent to 12 per cent. In the Private to Corporal rank bracket the figure rose from 21 per cent to 25 per cent. Those claiming benefits like Universal Credit dropped two per cent to eight per cent.
Families explained financial wellbeing is shaped by much more than military pay alone. Spousal employment remains one of the biggest challenges, with frequent moves disrupting careers and reducing earning potential. High childcare costs and the continuing rise in the cost of living compound financial pressures, often making dual incomes essential while simultaneously making them harder to achieve.
Make your voice heard
These findings reinforce AFF’s message that improving financial wellbeing requires a whole-family approach. Evidence from the survey supports AFF’s work with the Army, MOD and other Government departments to ensure the experiences of the Army Family is reflected in discussions about pay, allowances and the wider support needed to sustain military life.
The 2026 Pay Questionnaire opens on 20 July. And we need your evidence to be able to continue to provide an accurate picture of your financial experience to those who can make meaningful change.
Whether your situation has improved, worsened or stayed the same, your input matters. Every response strengthens AFF’s data and evidence. It ensures we can continue to speak on your behalf to provide the best possible outcomes for the Army Family.
PUBLISHED ON 20 JULY 2026